Frequently Asked Questions

When should I pick up my walk shirt? (When registered, if it requested your shirt size that means you have a shirt reserved for you 😊)

Pick up your t-shirt the day before the walk on Saturday, September 14th, between 1-4:30 pm at Congregation Beth Torah, located at 6100 W 127th St, Overland Park, KS 66209. If you do not pick up your t-shirt at this time, it will be available at the walk. However picking it up ahead of time will make the process much smoother. All shirts not picked up by 9:30 am day of the walk will be forfeited. There will be shirts, hoodies, walk signs and other swag gear for purchase during this time if you missed the shirt deadline.

When can I pick up my walk sign I purchased?

If you purchased a positive walk sign, we have reserved them for you to pick up on Saturday September 14th from 1-4:30 at the same location shirts are being picked up. If you didn’t order one but would like one there will be a limited number available to purchase on Saturday.

Registration will be accepted until the morning of the walk. Please ensure that everyone whom is walking is registered before the walk begins. Any registration received after 8/30 will not have a walk shirt included. However, you may purchase a shirt, hoodie, or walk sign from the swag table. Cost will be $25.00 for the shirt (sizes and quantity are limited.)

Do I need to bring cash?

We will accept cash, check and credit cards as we will have the ability accept major credit cards at the event. There is no charge for the photobooth or food, but there is a fee to register, purchase raffle tickets or SPEAK UP merchandise. There will be over 30 raffle baskets. We have received some amazing donations from local companies. There will also be donations accepted at the registration and raffle tables.

Can I still make donation if I cannot make the walk?

Absolutely! We will continue to accept donations for this effort online at DONATE HERE all year round. You may also mail donations to SPEAK UP in care of Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City, C/O SPEAK UP 5801 W. 115th Street Suite 104, Overland Park, KS 66211. Be sure to put SPEAK UP in the memo line. Donations help us continue to support local schools and our community with the mental health resources needed to change our world!

We encourage you to arrive at 8am. There will be several mental health service providers with information tables available, as well as a fun photobooth, over 30 raffle baskets and SPEAK UP gear such as shirts, hoodies, and walk signs for purchase. Please check out all the amazing things we have to offer.

Is there a program before or after the walk?

Yes, there will be a program both before and after the walk. We are pleased to welcome back Abby Eden as our emcee for the event. Before the walk starts, there will be a short program where we will get to hear from some amazing guest speakers. The program will focus on sharing the personal stories and how we can help to reduce the stigma of mental illness. You will not want to miss out on these amazing speakers!!!! After the walk, we will continue our conversations with our last guest speaker and do the dove release. After the dove release we will end the program with the raffle baskets.

Is the trail paved?

Yes, the entire route is paved and very accessible. We suggest filling your water bottles or grabbing a water prior to the walk.

Is there handicapped parking available?

There handicapped spots that will be available. You must have a handicapped tag to show to the volunteer in order to park in this lot. This will be on the first floor of the garage.

How long is the walk?

The complete route is under a half mile. We want to focus on having the conversation around mental wellness and showing the community the resources available.

Can we bring our dog?

Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate animals this time due to the new venue. However service dogs are permitted.

Will there be food/beverages?

Yes. Water, gatorade, and coffee will be provided, as well as snacks and fruit. This is not intended to be a full breakfast, but to provide our walkers with a little extra energy and hydration after the walk. Feel free to bring your own water bottle.

What should I wear? What should I bring?

Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly and wear comfortable walking shoes. We also suggest bringing a water bottle. This is a rain or shine event. We do have a rain plan should it rain that day.

What if it rains?

This is a rain or shine event. Wear appropriate clothing and plan on joining us. We do have a rain plan which might include jumping in a few puddles.

What if my friends and family want to join me?

This is great! This is a family friendly event. We hope you will bring all of your friends and family. Online registration is available until 9:30 am on 9/15/2019, however there will not be a shirt included with the registration fee after 8/30. You are also welcome to walk up and register on the day of the walk. Registration Fee is $25.

Can I still make donations after the walk?

Absolutely! We will continue to accept donations for this effort online via this link- Click here to donate. You may also mail donations to SPEAK UP in care of Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City, C/O SPEAK UP 5801 W. 115th Street Suite 104, Overland Park, KS 66211. Be sure to put SPEAK UP in the memo line.

What will you do with my donation?

Through your generosity SPEAK UP has the ability to provide the schools and communities in the area at no charge the following: provide guest speakers and presenters with lived experience to share the signs and symptoms of an individual at potential risk, share interventions on breaking the silence, starting the conversation, and increasing mental health literacy, decreasing the stigma, and thereby giving hope to that fewer lives will be lost. We are currently doing this through partnerships with Keep The Spark Alive where we will be bringing an evidence-based peer led program into schools within our community. The goals are to help teens understand that it is OK not to be everyone else’s definition of perfect. We want to reach teens with a positive message of self-worth and value, as well as reinforce the idea that being yourself is good enough. Each school commits to a 3 year program which Speak Up covers the fees for the school to have program like Sources of Strength.

Can we post on social media about the walk?

YES!!! Please post about SPEAK UP. Please feel free to use #speakupwalk2019 #breakthesilence Be sure to like our facebook page and tag us in all your pictures from the walk. Your picture just might be used for future events!

Where do we park?

There is one primary parking lot available and we will have signage and people on hand to help you find it, then to direct you to the pavilion. Please park on the 2nd floor of the parking garage. Handicapped is available on the first floor.

****Shirt pick up available Saturday before the walk-Beth Torah Congregation from 1-4:30pm. Shirts not picked up by 9:30am day of walk will be forfeited.